Paweł Zalewski appointed Vice-Chairman of the Committee on International Trade in the European Parliament

As a result of today's voting Paweł Zalewski MEP (PO) has been once again appointed Vice-Chairman of the Committee on International Trade in the European Parliament. He will hold this position for the next 2,5 year, till the end of term of the European Parliament. Since the implementation of the Lisbon Treaty, the Committee on the International Trade is responsible for the matters relating to the establishment and implementation of the Union’s common trade policy. The Treaty extended authority of the European Union on investment policy, entrusting to the European Union sole authority in this area, considering it a part of a common trade policy of the European Union.

- In the year 2010, investment policy, formerly in national competence, was transmitted into the level of the European Union. Since then, only the European Union can conclude an agreement concerning mutual protection of the investments with third countries ( e.g. with China, Russia), and the common trade policy is implemented by European Commission - said MEP Paweł Zalewski - Vice-Chairman of the Committee on International Trade.

- In March 2010 INTA adopted a report on temporary regulations concerning bilateral investment agreements between the UE and third countries, promoting common standards and better protection of the investors. This report is a foundation for the negotiating process between the Council and the European Parliament - added Paweł Zalewski, who was the shadow rapporteur of the mentioned report.

He has reminded that recently the European Parliament, through the works of INTA committee, is authorized to monitor the negotiating process - The teams of MEPs are being created to supervise the process of the largest negotiations, like those between UE and Mercosurem, Canada or India. We also give opinions on anti-dumping agreements and free trade agreements. It means, in fact, that the European Parliament achieved the competences equal to those of the Council - reassumed Paweł Zalewski.

* The European People's Party (EPP) members of which are Platforma Obywatelska and Polskie Stronnictwo Ludowe, is the biggest and the most influential political group in the European Parliament that has 271 MEPs from 26 member states.

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